Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Microwave Steamed Fish
Bowls with fish filets served with green beans and a creamy sauce.

Microwave Steamed Fish

Any type of white fish cooks to flaky, moist and fork-tender in the microwave. A quick and low-mess way to prepare fish for rice bowls, tacos and salads.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 servings
Green and Orange Chicken Salad
Large bowl of mandarin orange and chicken salad.

Green and Orange Chicken Salad

A bright and flavorful salad with a toasty soy dressing.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
12 cups
No-Knead Whole-Wheat Bread
slices of bread from a rustic loaf

No-Knead Whole-Wheat Bread

This recipe uses a long rise time instead of kneading to make a whole-grain bread with nice texture and flavor.
Prepare:
20 minutes + 13 hours rising
Cook:
50 minutes
Makes:
20 pieces
Zucchini Zowie
Bowl of baked zucchini with a cheesy tomato sauce.

Zucchini Zowie

Simple 4-ingredient kid-approved recipe. Ready in under an hour!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Whole-Wheat Zucchini Bread
Slices of moist zucchini bread.

Whole-Wheat Zucchini Bread

A warm and tasty sweet treat that’s packed with veggies, warm cinnamon and crunchy nuts.
Prepare:
15 to 20 minutes
Cook:
45 to 60 minutes
Makes:
16 slices
Stovetop Farro
Bowls of cooked farro.

Stovetop Farro

A slightly nutty-tasting whole grain with a chewy texture. Make a batch ahead for quick grain bowls and stir-fries.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
35 to 45 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ cups